Hello @googi, and welcome to the Mayo Clinic connect. i see that you were recently been diagnosed with MGUS. Here is a Mayo Clinic publication that might be helpful to you. There are also many discussions on this message board that address MGUS if you search for them using the magnifying glass at the top of the page. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mgus/symptoms-causes/syc-20352362
So what information did your physician give you about MGUS? Have you been able to speak with him or her since receiving your lab results?
You’ll find that we might be more helpful to you if you give us a little more context of your question. Do you mind doing that?
Hello @googi, and welcome to the Mayo Clinic connect. i see that you were recently been diagnosed with MGUS. Here is a Mayo Clinic publication that might be helpful to you. There are also many discussions on this message board that address MGUS if you search for them using the magnifying glass at the top of the page. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mgus/symptoms-causes/syc-20352362
So what information did your physician give you about MGUS? Have you been able to speak with him or her since receiving your lab results?
You’ll find that we might be more helpful to you if you give us a little more context of your question. Do you mind doing that?
Hello and thank you for your response and the link to the Mayo Clinic publication. You asked for context and what I’ve been told by my doctor. Here is what I can tell you:
I’m an 82 year old Caucasian woman. My PCP ordered extensive bloodwork since I’ve complained of what appears to be peripheral neuropathy. I’m prediabetic with an A1C of 6.2. I also have a tingling feeling on my lips and other oral problems for which I’ll be seeing both an ENT and a rheumatologist.
The lab report reads: “There is an M spike in the gamma region measuring 0.61 G per DL. SIFE: There is a corresponding monoclonal IGG KAPPA. “
It further says: KAPPA LIGHT CHN, FR, S of 28.5 flagged as being high.
LAMBDA LIGHT CH, FR, S flagged as normal at 12.5
My PCP sent me to a hematologist who explained that I have MGUS that has a small likelihood of developing into multiple myeloma. Another blood draw was done which is one month after the one ordered by my PCP). Apparently this was done to determine the rate/rapidity of progression of the disease. My next visit to the hematologist is scheduled in three months.
I have no family history of multiple myeloma but both of my parents and my only sibling have died of other cancers.
I hope that you and/or others on Mayo Connect can Offer their comments and insights on my situation.
Thank you.
In your blood work you should see Immunoglobulins IgG, IgA and IgM each assigned a value to compare to a "normal range value. My most recent IgG for example was 1443 mg/dl normal range is 603 - 1613 mg/dl This may vary depending on the lab. Mine was LabCorp. What was your IgG value?
"Kappa" you referred to is part of Free Kappa + Lamba Lt Chains. I assume your Free Kappa Lt Chains is probably high. Mine is high 43.9 mg/L compared to normal range value 3.3 - 19.4 mg/L. What was your Free Lamba Lt Chains?
Also, were you provided an M-Protein Spike. For two and a half years mine has stayed 0.6 to 0.7. What was your M-protein spike?
All were readable. Your M Protein Spike of 0.61 similar to mine is a low-level elevation. The important thing your PCP or Oncologist probably already told you, is to monitor these blood values periodically. My Free Kappa Light chains is a little bit higher than yours. My Oncologist has me on a 9-month interval for blood work. Initially I was at 3 months, then moved to 6 months and I just had my first 9 months. Shifting out to longer periods was due to no significant changes. There is a lot of literature available on MGUS.
Hello and thank you for your response and the link to the Mayo Clinic publication. You asked for context and what I’ve been told by my doctor. Here is what I can tell you:
I’m an 82 year old Caucasian woman. My PCP ordered extensive bloodwork since I’ve complained of what appears to be peripheral neuropathy. I’m prediabetic with an A1C of 6.2. I also have a tingling feeling on my lips and other oral problems for which I’ll be seeing both an ENT and a rheumatologist.
The lab report reads: “There is an M spike in the gamma region measuring 0.61 G per DL. SIFE: There is a corresponding monoclonal IGG KAPPA. “
It further says: KAPPA LIGHT CHN, FR, S of 28.5 flagged as being high.
LAMBDA LIGHT CH, FR, S flagged as normal at 12.5
My PCP sent me to a hematologist who explained that I have MGUS that has a small likelihood of developing into multiple myeloma. Another blood draw was done which is one month after the one ordered by my PCP). Apparently this was done to determine the rate/rapidity of progression of the disease. My next visit to the hematologist is scheduled in three months.
I have no family history of multiple myeloma but both of my parents and my only sibling have died of other cancers.
I hope that you and/or others on Mayo Connect can Offer their comments and insights on my situation.
Thank you.
@googi
Thanks for the context. As you have been told and have read, the likelihood of your MGUS advancing to Multiple Myeloma is low.
I would rather not have it, but since I do, it has meant that I get some really excellent healthcare. As others can attest, your hematologist will initually schedule appointments more frequently in order to see how stable your lab results stay. You may also get CT or PET scans to ensure you don’t have bone lesions, indicative of progression to Multiple Myeloma.
Coexisting conditions such as diabetes, age and other indicators of overall general health are considerations, so your hematologist is the best resource for information. Do ask for a consultation if you find that you still have unanswered questions.
Lots of our MGUS members have experienced neuropathy. I started feeling numbness in my feet a couple of years before I was diagnosed with MGUS which in retrospect makes me think I’ve had MGUS a lot longer than my initial diagnosis 4 years ago. There are some medications that may be helpful to you. Ask for a referral to a neurologist if that is not yet happened.
Our members have shared information about diet and supplements that they have found helpful. I am experimenting with 2000mg daily of Curcumin after talking with my PCP doctor, pharmacist, hematologist and other members. My numbers went down but then went up slightly which I attribute to having major surgery. We’ll see if they stabilize when I go back next month.
The link below may be helpful to you about understanding lab results.
I’m really glad you found us. https://www.myelomacentral.com/livingwithmm/multiple-myeloma-treatment-monitoring/understanding-multiple-myeloma-lab-test-results
@googi
Thanks for the context. As you have been told and have read, the likelihood of your MGUS advancing to Multiple Myeloma is low.
I would rather not have it, but since I do, it has meant that I get some really excellent healthcare. As others can attest, your hematologist will initually schedule appointments more frequently in order to see how stable your lab results stay. You may also get CT or PET scans to ensure you don’t have bone lesions, indicative of progression to Multiple Myeloma.
Coexisting conditions such as diabetes, age and other indicators of overall general health are considerations, so your hematologist is the best resource for information. Do ask for a consultation if you find that you still have unanswered questions.
Lots of our MGUS members have experienced neuropathy. I started feeling numbness in my feet a couple of years before I was diagnosed with MGUS which in retrospect makes me think I’ve had MGUS a lot longer than my initial diagnosis 4 years ago. There are some medications that may be helpful to you. Ask for a referral to a neurologist if that is not yet happened.
Our members have shared information about diet and supplements that they have found helpful. I am experimenting with 2000mg daily of Curcumin after talking with my PCP doctor, pharmacist, hematologist and other members. My numbers went down but then went up slightly which I attribute to having major surgery. We’ll see if they stabilize when I go back next month.
The link below may be helpful to you about understanding lab results.
I’m really glad you found us. https://www.myelomacentral.com/livingwithmm/multiple-myeloma-treatment-monitoring/understanding-multiple-myeloma-lab-test-results
Thanks so much for your information-packed message and for the link regarding understanding lab results. The hematologist also mentioned Curcumin as perhaps being beneficial. How did you determine the correct dosage? BTW, it’s a gorgeous plant!
In your blood work you should see Immunoglobulins IgG, IgA and IgM each assigned a value to compare to a "normal range value. My most recent IgG for example was 1443 mg/dl normal range is 603 - 1613 mg/dl This may vary depending on the lab. Mine was LabCorp. What was your IgG value?
"Kappa" you referred to is part of Free Kappa + Lamba Lt Chains. I assume your Free Kappa Lt Chains is probably high. Mine is high 43.9 mg/L compared to normal range value 3.3 - 19.4 mg/L. What was your Free Lamba Lt Chains?
Also, were you provided an M-Protein Spike. For two and a half years mine has stayed 0.6 to 0.7. What was your M-protein spike?
Thanks so much for your response. I’ve read about understanding my lab results and the meaning of the various terms used.
It’s great having others with whom to discuss this new challenge!
All were readable. Your M Protein Spike of 0.61 similar to mine is a low-level elevation. The important thing your PCP or Oncologist probably already told you, is to monitor these blood values periodically. My Free Kappa Light chains is a little bit higher than yours. My Oncologist has me on a 9-month interval for blood work. Initially I was at 3 months, then moved to 6 months and I just had my first 9 months. Shifting out to longer periods was due to no significant changes. There is a lot of literature available on MGUS.
@mlreptr
I have a red light therapy device that hangs from the wall (or could be put on a stand) which I originally ordered for painful plantar fasciitis that I had on my left foot for almost a year. I was complete amazed after a week how much better my heel felt and after 2 weeks the fasciitis was virtually gone so I am a big believer in this therapy. I used it directed at the bottom of my feet 4-6” away from the device for 10 minutes a day 5 days a week with 2 off. Consistency is the key and now I use it for my back-degenerative disc disease and hopefully for my MGUS but we are in the process of moving from Arkansas to Texas so I haven’t been consistent lately. My IGG and M spike lab markers were improved on my last blood test so I am hopeful this therapy will help in some small way. The device I use is called the Red Rush 400.
Hi
I have been doing deep dive research on effects of red light on mgus..at higher levels it increases nitric oxide killing abnormal cells. There's more but can't remember atm but to me it sounded like it would help. I buy from a company called life pro. Lifetime warranty. Good co. Amazon sells for them but I went straight to their store. Hoping the red-light and near infra red light lowers my numbers. Also was supposed to do knee replacement. Found out that because of mgus there are increased risks and possible that mgus could turn into mm. Opting to wait on joint replacement if at all. Good luck to you!
Waldenstrom M is rare but it mimics myloma. There is a
test to see if you have Waldenstrom another blood cancer.
Hello and thank you for your response and the link to the Mayo Clinic publication. You asked for context and what I’ve been told by my doctor. Here is what I can tell you:
I’m an 82 year old Caucasian woman. My PCP ordered extensive bloodwork since I’ve complained of what appears to be peripheral neuropathy. I’m prediabetic with an A1C of 6.2. I also have a tingling feeling on my lips and other oral problems for which I’ll be seeing both an ENT and a rheumatologist.
The lab report reads: “There is an M spike in the gamma region measuring 0.61 G per DL. SIFE: There is a corresponding monoclonal IGG KAPPA. “
It further says: KAPPA LIGHT CHN, FR, S of 28.5 flagged as being high.
LAMBDA LIGHT CH, FR, S flagged as normal at 12.5
My PCP sent me to a hematologist who explained that I have MGUS that has a small likelihood of developing into multiple myeloma. Another blood draw was done which is one month after the one ordered by my PCP). Apparently this was done to determine the rate/rapidity of progression of the disease. My next visit to the hematologist is scheduled in three months.
I have no family history of multiple myeloma but both of my parents and my only sibling have died of other cancers.
I hope that you and/or others on Mayo Connect can Offer their comments and insights on my situation.
Thank you.
Thank you for your comment. Yes, I’m referring to multiple myeloma not melanoma.
I’ve attached photos of my lab results that should answer the questions you asked me. I hope you can read the information!
All were readable. Your M Protein Spike of 0.61 similar to mine is a low-level elevation. The important thing your PCP or Oncologist probably already told you, is to monitor these blood values periodically. My Free Kappa Light chains is a little bit higher than yours. My Oncologist has me on a 9-month interval for blood work. Initially I was at 3 months, then moved to 6 months and I just had my first 9 months. Shifting out to longer periods was due to no significant changes. There is a lot of literature available on MGUS.
@googi
Thanks for the context. As you have been told and have read, the likelihood of your MGUS advancing to Multiple Myeloma is low.
I would rather not have it, but since I do, it has meant that I get some really excellent healthcare. As others can attest, your hematologist will initually schedule appointments more frequently in order to see how stable your lab results stay. You may also get CT or PET scans to ensure you don’t have bone lesions, indicative of progression to Multiple Myeloma.
Coexisting conditions such as diabetes, age and other indicators of overall general health are considerations, so your hematologist is the best resource for information. Do ask for a consultation if you find that you still have unanswered questions.
Lots of our MGUS members have experienced neuropathy. I started feeling numbness in my feet a couple of years before I was diagnosed with MGUS which in retrospect makes me think I’ve had MGUS a lot longer than my initial diagnosis 4 years ago. There are some medications that may be helpful to you. Ask for a referral to a neurologist if that is not yet happened.
Our members have shared information about diet and supplements that they have found helpful. I am experimenting with 2000mg daily of Curcumin after talking with my PCP doctor, pharmacist, hematologist and other members. My numbers went down but then went up slightly which I attribute to having major surgery. We’ll see if they stabilize when I go back next month.
The link below may be helpful to you about understanding lab results.
I’m really glad you found us.
https://www.myelomacentral.com/livingwithmm/multiple-myeloma-treatment-monitoring/understanding-multiple-myeloma-lab-test-results
Thanks so much for your information-packed message and for the link regarding understanding lab results. The hematologist also mentioned Curcumin as perhaps being beneficial. How did you determine the correct dosage? BTW, it’s a gorgeous plant!
Thanks so much for your response. I’ve read about understanding my lab results and the meaning of the various terms used.
It’s great having others with whom to discuss this new challenge!
Thank you for sharing your numbers.
Hi
I have been doing deep dive research on effects of red light on mgus..at higher levels it increases nitric oxide killing abnormal cells. There's more but can't remember atm but to me it sounded like it would help. I buy from a company called life pro. Lifetime warranty. Good co. Amazon sells for them but I went straight to their store. Hoping the red-light and near infra red light lowers my numbers. Also was supposed to do knee replacement. Found out that because of mgus there are increased risks and possible that mgus could turn into mm. Opting to wait on joint replacement if at all. Good luck to you!